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Hodgson aware of Harry support

Roy Hodgson admits he would have to have been 'on another planet' to have avoided the clamour for Harry Redknapp to be installed as England boss.

Last Updated: 29/05/12 8:43am

Roy Hodgson: Claims his appointment as England manager came as no surprise

Roy Hodgson admits he would have to have been 'on another planet' to have avoided the clamour for Harry Redknapp to be installed as England boss.

The experienced coach appreciates that Tottenham manager Redknapp was the overwhelming favourite among supporters to be appointed as Fabio Capello's successor.

The Football Association was charged with the task of filling the post, though, and it has decided to hand the reins to Hodgson.

He agreed a four-year contract on Tuesday after being granted permission by Premier League employers West Brom to discuss the role.

Hodgson is hoping comparisons to Redknapp will not hang over him for too long, with an ill-fated spell at Liverpool in 2010/11 having been brought to an abrupt halt as he struggled to silence supporter calls for Kenny Dalglish to be returned to the managerial hot-seat.

Difference

"I'd have to be on another planet not to be aware of the situation," he said.

"But there is one major difference between my time at Liverpool and being offered the job as England manager.

"The people who appointed me at Liverpool didn't have a chance to stay very long and others took over the club.

"The FA had a lot of time to decide which candidate they wanted to do the job, and I'm happy it was me."

Hope

While the FA's decision to overlook Redknapp came as a surprise to many, the vastly-experienced Hodgson claims he always felt that he was a leading contender for the England job.

Having spent almost 40 years in management, and having worked in domestic and international circles, he said: "I didn't think and I didn't expect.

"But, given my CV, I had the right to hope and harbour a wish that the FA, after their process, would choose me.

"I wouldn't say I was particularly surprised when the call came.

"I was always hoping that the choice would be made and would work out in my favour."